Testing for STDs

There are a variety of tests available for STD's. Although you can do several tests from one tube of blood, there is NOT one test that will cover all STD's. Some tests require blood and others require urine or genital samples. The most common tests ordered are:

Chlamydia/Gonorrhea - This can be done on samples from inside the vagina in females and on a sample from inside the tip of the penis OR on urine samples on males. Most males prefer to collect a urine sample. Our test can detect chlamydia approximately 30 hours after infection and gonorrhea (GC) 48 hours after infection.
HIV - Blood test. Our test can detect HIV infection in most people anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after infection.
Syphilis (RPR) - Blood test. Our test can detect syphilis infection from 3-90 days after infection.
Herpes - A culture is done if a lesion is present. Other tests can be discussed with your provider.
Gram Stain and Wet Prep- This is done on samples from inside the vagina in females. These tests are used to detect yeast infection, bacterial infection, and trichomonas.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or Genital Wart Virus) - This is most often detected on a pap smear in females. A small percentage of people with HPV have genital warts which are detected by visual exam in females and males. There is a test to identify HPV in females that is used for follow-up of certain abnormal pap smear results. No HPV test has been approved for use in males.

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